library talk: PRINCETON PRESIDENT on FREE SPEECH
The complex question of free speech has roiled college campuses.
On November 10 (7 p.m.), the Westport Library hosts someone in the heart of those debates.
Princeton University president and constitutional scholar Christopher Eisgruber will be in conversation with WSHU public policy reporter Molly Ingram.
In his new book “Terms of Respect: How Colleges Get Free Speech Right,” Eisgruber challenges the narrative that universities have lost their way on free expression.
Today’s students, he says, engage in vigorous discussions on sensitive topics, and embrace both the opportunity to learn and the right to protest — much like past generations.
The polarization and turmoil visible on many campuses, Eisgruber writes, reflect an American civic crisis that affects universities along with the rest of society. But rather than seeing colleges as part of the problem, he believes they can model how to embrace free speech without sacrificing the ideals of equality, diversity, and respect.
The conversation will be followed by a Q-and-A, and book signing. For more information, click here.
TEXT AMENDMENT GOAL: GREATER ADU FLEXIBILITY
ADUs are back in the news.
On Monday (6 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission will discuss a text amendment.
Two changes to the accessory-use regulations are aimed at providing greater flexibility for the construction and configuration of Accessory Dwelling Units and other related structures.
Amendment #880 would increase the maximum permitted height of an ADU constructed above a detached garage from 26 feet to 30 feet, and allow otherwise permitted accessory structures to be physically connected through shared walls or floor/ceiling assemblies.
The amendment would allow additional living space above a garage, without requiring an owner to sacrifice the garage itself.
Written comments may be submitted to PandZ@westportct.gov by noon on Monday. To see all material related to the proposal, click here, then scroll down to Text Amendment #880.
Accessory dwelling unit on Greens Farms Road.
FARMERS’ MARKET FEAST: staples cooking demos, food books for sale
The Westport Farmers’ Market continues outdoors, through November.
Special programming continues every Thursday too.
Next week is extra special. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Imperial Avenue parking lot), a pop-up event with Staples High School’s culinary classes and The Perfect Page book trailer offers live cooking demonstrations, inspired by great books.
Students will prepare and offer samples of recipes drawn from favorite cookbooks and food-centric novels. Books will be available for purchase.
“Great books have always been full of food, and cooking is its own kind of storytelling,” says Staples culinary teacher Cecily Gans.
“Our students are excited to share dishes inspired by the pages they love, and show the community the talent they’ve been developing.”
MANRESA ISLAND PLAN WINS ZONING OK
Manresa Island is in Norwalk.
But the 144-acre island can be seen clearly from Compo Beach. Its most prominent feature is a former coal and oil-burning power plant.
As “06880” reported last year, billionaires Austin and Allison McChord hve vision for the desolate land. They hope to create a 25-acre park with trails, a canopy walk, a public beach, play spaces, boat rentals, a restaurant and a lawn for concerts.
The abandoned power plant would be remade into a large space with climbing walls, an indoor water park, food vendors, and environment educational center and flexible event space.
On Wednesday, CT Mirror reports, Norwalk’s Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve a special zoning district for the proposed Manresa Wilds development.
That allows the McChords to continue finalizing their designs. More approvals, including traffic studies, are needed before construction begins.
Click here for the full CT Mirror story.
Artist’s rendering of Manresa Wilds.
kelli o’hara, tom hanks co-star on broadway
Kelli O’Hara is heading back to Broadway.
This time, she’ll star with Tom Hanks.
The Tony Award-winning actor and Westport resident will join the Academy Award winner in a a show he co-wrote. “This World of Tomorrow” opens next fall.
Hanks plays a scientist living in the late 21st century, where it is possible to time travel back to the past. He returns to June 8, 1939 at the New York World’s Fair, where he meets a woman — played by O’Hara — with whom he falls in love.
For the full story on Playbill, click here. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
Tom Hanks and Kelli O’Hara. (Courtesy of Playbill)
MILL POND PATH OPEN AGAIN
It took a while.
A long while.
But renovation of the tidal gates at Sherwood Mill Pond is done.
The footbridges and path leading from the Old Mill Beach parking lot to Compo Cove have been redone too.
One of Westport’s most beautiful spots is once again open to the public. Enjoy!
(Photo/Mary Sikorski)
NO IDLING
Speaking of the beach: Everyone’s a comedian.
(Photo/Rob Jackson)
WESTPORT SWIM CLUB: next session starts soon
Speaking of water: Westport Swim Club at Staples is a low-key, but very effective introduction to swimming for 1st through 8th graders. Their values are “fun, friends and fundamentals.”
Many youngsters go on to swim for Staples High School teams.
WSC’s winter session starts on November 16. Tryouts will be held over the next few weekends at the Staples pool.
There are 4 registrations each year: fall, winter, spring and summer. There are 5 practices a week (not mandatory to come to all 5). Flexibility is key, for young swimmers and their families.
Click here to sign up for tryouts. Click here to see WSC’s winter session schedule and registration info.
Questions? Email swimwestport@gmail.com.
Westport Swim Club is fun!
COOKING, KIDS PROGRAMS AT WTF
Registration has begun for youngsters’ farm programs at Wakeman Town Farm.
And — looking ahead, for adults — there’s a holiday hors d’oeuvres cooking class with Laura Weinman December 15 (6:30 p.m.; $150).
Click here for details, and many more WTF offerings.
“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & SONG OF THE DAY
This time of year, even the backs of crowded parking lots — like Compo Acres Shopping Center, today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo — look fantastic.
(Photo/Pam Docters)
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And finally … the Compo Beach sign (item above) leads us to:
(Looks like a great weekend! We hope a tiny part of it will involve a quick click here, to support this blog you’re reading — as you do every day of the week. Thank you in advance.)
